Integrated direct air CO₂ capture and utilization via in-situ catalytic conversion to fuels and chemicals using dual functional materials: Recent progresses and perspectives

Abstract

Direct air capture (DAC) is an emerging technology aimed at mitigating global warming. However, conventional DAC technologies and the subsequent utilization processes are complex and energy-intensive. An integrated system of direct air capture and utilization (IDACU) via in-situ catalytic conversion to fuels and chemicals is a promising approach, although it remains in the early stages of development. This review examines the current technical routes of IDACU, including solid-based dual-functional materials (DFMs) through thermo-catalysis, IDACU using liquid sorbents with thermo-catalysis, and non-thermal conversion methods. It covers the basic principles, reaction conditions, main products, material types, and the existing problems and challenges associated with these technical routes. Additionally, it discusses the recent advancements in solid-based DFMs for IDACU, with particular attention to the differences in material characteristics between carbon capture from flue gases (ICCU) and DAC. While IDACU technology holds significant promise, it still faces numerous challenges, especially in the design of advanced materials.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

direct air capture (DAC) / integrated carbon capture and utilization (ICCU) / integrated direct air CO₂ capture and utilization (IDACU) / dual functional materials (DFMs) / in-situ catalytic conversion.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project, the SPIC-SJTU Joint Research Foundation for Future Energy Plan (No. 110001JX0120240074), and the Science and Technology Cooperation Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.

Competing Interests

Zhen Huang is the Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Energy, who was excluded from the peer-review process and all editorial decisions related to the acceptance and publication of this article. Peer-review was handled independently by the other editors to minimise bias.

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